Scottish Health Survey and health record data
Information on Scottish Health Survey and health record data being linked and how to request it.
Data from the 1998, 2003 and 2008 to 2020 Scottish Health Surveys has now been linked to health record data on:
- visits to hospital and length of stay
- diagnosis, treatments and hospital stays for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and psychiatric episodes
- if the respondent has passed away, the date and cause of death
- COVID-19 positive test results and vaccinations
A full list of the variables included in the linked datasets is available in the accompanying excel file.
Access is via a short application to be assessed by the PHS Data Protection Team. In the first instance, applicants should contact the eDRIS (Electronic Data Research and Innovation Service) team at PHS to check that this permissions route applies to their proposed study/use. Contact details for eDRIS can be found on the PHS website.
Any study requiring additional health record or Scottish Health Survey variables not included in the standard linked datasets will require an application to the relevant Public Benefit and Privacy Panel.
Next update: Data for 2021, 2022 and 1995 will be included in the next update of the linked datasets later this year.
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